ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND OIL EXPLORATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract Environmental sustainability has positioned national energy policy as a critical instrument for mediating development outcomes in resource-dependent economies, with implications that extend beyond national borders, a multidimensional construct encompassing the conservation, protection, and responsible management of natural resources and ecosystems. Rooted in ecological preservation, biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation and pollution mitigation, sustainability is shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Yet, despite their significant contributions, environmental sustainability in Rivers State of Nigeria has become a subject of concern as most of the communities are faced with high uncertainty and business failure rates. Therefore, this study examined the impact of national energy policy and oil exploration on environmental sustainability in Rivers state of Nigeria. This study was conducted with the aid of an integrated theoretical framework derived from environmental justice theory and a survey research method for data collection. The study found that the oil spill mechanism and community engagement policies statistically significantly impact environmental sustainability in Rivers state of Nigeria at 5% level of significance. While renewable energy policies has positive but insignificant impact on environmental sustainability in Rivers state of Nigeria at 5% level of significance. The study concluded that national energy policy and oil exploration influence environmental sustainability in Rivers state of Nigeria. The study thus recommended, among others, that reviews and strengthen existing environmental regulations to address all potential environmental impacts of oil spill mechanism comprehensively. This may require updating legislation, closing loopholes and incorporating stricter environmental standard.